Brett Potts '95

Los Angeles Chapter Trustee

Brett Potts is an executive, entrepreneur, and founder of Coast Practical, Inc., which delivers and focuses resources to achieve rapid business growth and navigate challenging organizational transitions.   

His firm has executed impressive growth paths and successful exits for business owners in a variety of industries, from Aerospace Manufacturing to Software Development. His prior work at Intel Corporation, Cintas Corporation and as a Surface Warfare Officer provided his operational leadership foundation.

A 1995 Naval Academy graduate, Brett is just one member of a proud Navy family, including three other USNA graduates: his sister, Lea ‘97, his father, Steve ’69, and sister-in-law, Danielle DeMerchant (née Picco ’93).  

All told, there are seven former or active Navy officers in these two family generations. So, it is a tremendous honor for him to join the Board of Trustees.  

Following graduation, Brett served as a Surface Warfare Officer on USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and USS Stethem (DDG 63) before joining FCTCPAC as a Cruise Missile Instructor.  

During shore duty, he completed his M.S. in Information Technology at the University of San Diego, later moving to Los Angeles to complete his International MBA at the University of Southern California.  Both degrees were awarded with high honors.  

Brett has served the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Alumni Association in several director and VP roles since 2004, and completed three years as Chapter President in the summer of 2014.  He is an avid surfer and skier, remains active in alumni associations, veterans’ organizations and church, and loves spending time with his young family and wife, the former Ms. Deborah Picco.